too cool

too cool by georginamiles featuring leather clutches

silk and leather

white v-neck: H&M
classic blazer: thrifted Hugo Boss
printed silk shorts: thrifted
feather necklace: American Eagle
rings: Icing by Claire's

I've been trying to hold off on any major retail therapy, since we're headed for the States this upcoming weekend--it'll be my first visit to Target, ever--but last week, I wandered astray from the bookshelves at the thrift store. Considering what I found, though, I don't regret it in the least. These shorts are actually polyester so I'm not sure how their sheen will hold up in the wash, but the floral pattern was amazing. The Boss Black "Juicy" blazer was a steal. It's one of their signature pieces, and although the size/washing info label was cut off (wool is dry-clean only, anyway), it fits like a glove. As for the high-waisted shorts, they are genuine leather, and nothing like anything else I own. Total cost? $10.

Styling them poses another problem. I've mentioned before that my wardrobe lacks basics, of all things. (Imagine trying to make an outfit out of standalone pieces; that's my dilemma every morning.) I delved into print-mixing briefly last year, but it takes a lot of effort. Pairing a loud pattern with solids is much easier and you're more likely to get a better result. I guess I know what I'll be on the look for at Target.

floral lace bandeau: GUESS
denim shirt: mom's
leather high-waisted shorts: thrifted
zipper cuff bracelet: BCBGeneration
shell ring: gift from Georgina

Oh, and I did still pick up some reading (well, re-reading). We studied Alistair MacLeod's No Great Mischief in 11 English, and I actually did enjoy it. A Blade of Grass is one of my favourite novels, but it's one of those only-available-online-because-not-enough-people-realize-its-brilliance books, so I was delighted to find it for far less than $20. CDs because I was feeling nostalgic, and this fashion textbook's from the drug store on my way home. 916 pages of VOGUE? Who can pass that up?

mixing it up

mixing it up by georginamiles featuring zipper boots

pumped up kicks

With school around the corner, we're all doing some shopping, and if I could only buy one new thing for the fall season, it'd be shoes. Here's a look at some versatile, fun, affordable options from ALDO.

LONGEATON in white, $60 $30

1. the simple sandal

Summer's not over yet. Show off a bold pedicure in brand-new-fresh-start white for the first few weeks of September. The cross straps and metallic accent are simple, but add interest to an otherwise boring thong sandal.

DELCAMP in peach yellow, $70 $35

2. the bold pump

Personally, I wish these came in my size. Damn my big feet. Besides a pointy toe (which to be honest, look awful on size 9+ feet), I like to try and incorporate both round and almond silhouettes into my wardrobe. The past few years, round toes have dominated their cycle, but inevitably, the pointed toe will return. These low-heels, great with skinnies, are also available in highlighter pink and orange.

MIRELDEE in red suede, $80

3. the ballet flat

Okay, so this one's a low wedge, but it looks like a flat from the front. I love low heels for their added height, while not compromising any comfort. In fact, I'd say regular ballet flats are less comfortable because of the unnatural shape they put your foot in. This versatile pop of colour would look fab with shorts, skinnies, or a printed dress.

DUMFRIES in taupe, $70

4. the canvas hi-top

For some edge, these studded beauties will have you striding confidently across campus with in a leather jacket and your favourite denim. Please don't carry a purse with them, or you'll ruin the attitude. Instead, take only what you absolutely need--a phone, your text or notebook and a pen. On second though, hide the pen in your pocket. Added bonus: they're a neutral colour!

GAUNT in black suede, $110

5. the ankle bootie

While those darling chunky heels were still trending last fall, the flower girl is out and the mod squad is in. As much as we enjoyed layering and boho chic, sometimes we just need things clean, simple and straightforward. And this boot sure says business with a classic almond toe and easy-access zipper.

MIGGINS in black / white, $140

6. the wildcard

Because the lockers are city skyscrapers, the street is a runway, and the cafeteria is a dance fl-I WHIP MY HAIR BACK AND FORTH.

settle down

 

coral blouse: mom's from the 90s

strapless paisley dress: american eagle sidewalk sale

leaf ring: expression by the bay

It's that time of year again, where I clean out all the closets at my house (no one would do it otherwise) and discover things we forgot / didn't know we had. The detailed collar on this blouse is really cute, so it's a pity that it's a couple sizes too large, like most of Mom's old clothes. (She's always been tiny, though, so it was probably just a grunge thing to buy things loose, unlike the tight-tight-scenekid-tight 00s.) Unbuttoned, it's lovely.

live it up

live it up by thevibegirl featuring a button down shirt

diy: two-tone bangles

These thin, metal bangles were pretty "banged" up when I dug them out of an old jewellery box. I wasn't going to wear them anyway, and I'd been inspired by those french tip shoe tutorials, but I didn't have any appropriate shoes. I think they turned out alright. I don't really know what I'm going to wear them with, but they're fun and bright. I chose pastel and jewel tones, but I didn't consider making them all the same colour. Because the bangles are two-toned, they'll never fall the same way.